PEKAN: Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is offering an education pathway for gig economy workers to improve their academic and competency qualifications.
UMPSA vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin said the move is an opportunity for those in the gig economy sector to follow training and development programmes provided by the university's subsidiary, UMPSA Advanced.
"Some of them did not pursue their studies at higher education institutions due to various factors including financial constraints and choose gig jobs as they provide good income for those who have just entered the workforce.
"The chance to work and study flexibly is one of the vital aspects in creating income opportunities for gig workers. The opportunity paves the way for educational accreditation that benefits them for further employment," he said after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between UMPSA and Grab Malaysia.
UMPSA was represented by Yuserrie, while Grab Malaysia's Government Relations and Policy director Ebi Azly Abdullah represented the e-hailing service provider.
The collaboration offered by UMPSA Advanced, which has extensive experience in lifelong learning programmes, is seen as a proactive step to support and improve the capabilities of gig workers, in line with the current job landscape evolution which is rapidly changing and becoming challenging.
Meanwhile, Yuserrie said the need for upskilling among gig workers is given a lot of emphasis in Malaysia, and the collaboration will have a positive impact on the development of the gig economy ecosystem in the country.
"Through the programmes, gig workers will have access to more flexible courses and training sessions. The courses and training will be in the form of micro-credential (short or stand-alone courses), which is suitable for those who do not have the time to attend conventional courses or training sessions.
"Upon completion, the gig workers will have the opportunity to secure jobs that can improve their living standards and socio-economics," he said, adding it will help empower their marketability.
Meanwhile, Ebi Azly said the partnership with UMPSA will allow e-hailing drivers and riders to obtain higher education accreditation towards creating a more stable career opportunity.
He said the collaboration is one of Grab's initiatives under the GrabBenefits programme introduced in 2017 to safeguard the welfare of Grab drivers and riders.
Caption:1.UMPSA vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Yuserrie Zainuddin (in pink) and Grab Malaysia's Government Relations and Policy director Ebi Azly Abdullah (in green) during the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony in Pekan.